Skype for Windows Phone 8 gets People hub integration and high def video support.

In an update published this morning, Skype for Windows Phone 8 now supports People hub integration. It is now possible to initiate a Skype call or chat right in the People hub. Applying that update did cause a little mess in my contacts list with duplicates that required linking my Skype friends to existing contact cards. People with lots of Skype contacts will not appreciate.

Unfortunately it is not the kind of integration I was hoping for. Managing Skype contacts must still be done in Skype app on the phone, tablet or PC. It is not possible to delete a Skype contact for example. While the Skype app does use the metro app, initiating a call via the people bub launches the Skype app instead of using the built-in caller app. It's better than nothing.

Support for high definition video calls will make you look better and, possibly, feel better. In case the latter does not work for you, the update also adds support for switching between front and rear camera during a call to show your friends what's around you. Finally, Skype for Windows Phone 8 is now capable of doing video calls in portrait and landscape mode. Overall, the latest Skype app for our beloved phones just got better.

If you have not got the download notification yet on your phone, go to Windows Phone Store to speed things up and enjoys those new features. Note that Skype for Windows Phone 8 is still a preview, so you may still find some glitch during use.